A new one-year post has been created to advise the chancellor and the provost on how best to diversify a growing campus community and to create and sustain a welcoming environment for faculty, staff and students. Roberto Paez, director of the School of Medicine's educational opportunity programs since 1992, will become special assistant to the chancellor on affirmative action and diversity on Oct. 18. This is a special time for us as we plan for substantial enrollment growth and the faculty and staff positions to support those additional students," said Chancellor Larry Vanderhoef. "We have an opportunity now -- and one that may not come again for a very long time -- to position the campus to best achieve the excellence that diversity brings. Roberto's counsel this next year will be critically important as we seek ways, within the law, to realize our long-standing commitment to a diverse and inclusive community." Paez will also provide interim leadership of the Office for Diversity, Affirmative Action and Equal Employment Opportunity until its director, Eleanor Fontes-Fulton, returns Jan. 3 from a professional development leave. "I'm pleased that not only will Roberto bring additional focused attention and expertise to the campus's diversity efforts, but that he will sustain the momentum of Ellie's leadership while she is away," said Provost Robert Grey. "He is a talented and respected leader in the campus community and I look forward to working with him in this new role." A 15-year university employee, Paez is currently responsible for creating and directing comprehensive programs to increase the numbers of students preparing for careers in medically underserved areas of California. Recognized as a national voice in minority and disadvantaged health professions development, he has helped the School of Medicine secure more than $8.5 million in grants, the most recent a $5 million grant last year to guide UC, California State University and other partner schools in developing college-level and post-baccalaureate pre-health training programs. He is active in several campus-based diversity committees and councils, and in national associations and policy work groups. "Despite current constraints, the Davis campus has the opportunity to strengthen its efforts in diversity and affirmative action," Paez said. "I intend to do my best to help the leadership advance the campus's commitment to making progress in these very important areas in an equitable and constructive manner and to help ensure that the entire campus is benefited by this vital work." "I have known Roberto for several years and have great respect for his abilities," said Fontes-Fulton. "I'm confident that he will guide the affirmative action and diversity office well till I return and that the campus will benefit from his appointment to this special adviser position this next year." Paez's work will complement the faculty-focused efforts of Harriet Murav, assistant vice provost for diversity and academic personnel, and the staff-focused efforts of the Staff Affirmative Action and Diversity Unit.